August 4, 2009

Number 31

VIEWPOINT

Dr. Harry Emerson Fosdick once gave four wrong reasons why people come to church.  (1) There are people who come because they believe it to be the decent thing to do in the normal American community.  (2) There are people who come because they are fans of the popular preacher.         (3) There are those who come because the church helps one's reputation in the eyes of community social respectability.  (4) Then there are those who think of worship as a glorified aspirin to guarantee or induce a little peace of mind away from the petty problems of business and family.

We conducted an informal survey a while back.  It had just three questions:  Why don’t you come to church on Sunday night?  Why do you come to church on Sunday night? What would make you more likely to come on Sunday night?

Here are some of the comments:

Some of the reasons I come to church on Sunday night are . . .

• It helps uplift me spiritually.

• I like to have more fellowship with brothers and sisters in Christ.

• To worship God.

• To lift and encourage each other.

• It’s “Priority # 1.”

• Seeing everyone again helps me through the week.

• To support my fellow Christians and feed on their strength.

• This time helps me in setting out on another week’s work. 

• Because it pleases God.

• I want to be a positive example for my children.

• The sermons are worth it and very helpful.

• To be closer to God.

• Edification by fellow Christians.

•  Gets my week off to a good start!

• It gives us more time to fellowship than the two hours on Sunday morning.

• Desire to learn more.

• Responsibility.

• I’d feel odd if there was an assembly and I wasn’t there.

• I always leave felling better than when I came.

• It’s the best choice for Sunday night.

Not many people will be as honest as the person who said that he didn’t attend the evening assembly because he was “lazy” and a “backslider.”  But I did find it interesting that several commented we should examine more practical areas on Sunday night.  There has been an ongoing interest in children and child rearing concerns.  Some suggested special programs would focus more attention on Sunday evenings. 

Starting September 20, we are going to present a video series on Sunday evenings pertaining to families and children. 

The series features the well known Dr. Kevin Leman with his attention grabbing title “Have a New Kid by Friday.”  We think it’s an opportunity to grow and also an opportunity to draw attention to our Cedar Grove family.  I hope you’ll make it “Priority # 1.” 

I look forward to seeing you Sunday with a Bible, a smile and a positive word!  RA

Have a New Kid . . .      by Friday

Sunday, September 20

Session 1 – “WAKE UP TO REALITY!”

Breaking Free from the Parent Trap

Sunday, September 27

Session 2 – “CAUTION: CHILDREN GROWING UP HERE!”

What Kids Need that Parents Must Deliver

Sunday, October 4

Session 3 – “STAYING CONNECTED TO BE RESPECTED”

It's Not an Impossible Dream!

Sunday, October 11

Session 4 – “CHECK YOUR ATTITUDE AT THE DOOR”

Dudes and Dudettes with 'Tudes Not Permitted Inside!

Sunday, October 18

Session 5 – “THE AMAZING RACE FOR SELF-ESTEEM”

Raising the Bar of Confidence without Lowering the Boom of Discouragement

Sunday, October 25

Session 6 – “SECRETS FOR ENJOYING THE JOURNEY”

Little Things Mean a Lot!